Bit late but I will throw in my two cents.
Fighting is an art between you and your enemy/friend. When you fight, you generally anticipate the next move and go to counter then attack. Process repeats until one of you makes a mistake and gets hurt with the writer acknowledging it is going to happen. The biggest problem I always have when doing duel forum posts, open roleplaying, ect, is the person accepting the fact of getting damaged. Some just go by small scratches, being winded while others take a massive injury at the start. Myself, I prefer to be in the middle unless the goof on my part is rather large. Take a small blaster shot to the thigh or get cut in the arm, show that it actually affects your character. Almost no one is painless in their ability, they will feel it affect their speed or strength in some form or fashion.
As for big battles, it helps to read everyones post before you. It is exhausting to say the least to figure out where everyone is and sometimes you want to throw yourself off a ledge and give up. Best solution sometimes is to do it solo on the thread, making your own story until someone either brings you or you finish your objective. Most Domination missions generally have an option as I seen to bring your own objective and go your own pace. Start with your own and work your way around what you want to do, may be surprised who shows up to help you in the long run.
I may not look like I been around here for long...or posted enough but I have roleplayed long enough to give that little bit as advice. Biggest thing is to not stress out over what actions your character caused onto others because that is YOUR character, the characters thoughts are what drives the roleplay, do not let your own override it. It brings out a lot more fun than you realize once you accept that.
